Plan To Curb Party Politics Draws Fire

A public hearing turned into a 2 1/2-hour civic lesson Thursday when a unanimous, vocal crowd fought the idea of doing away with party politics in Orange County commission elections.

Members of Orange County's Republican and Democratic parties joined to blast the proposal. None of the 22 speakers supported the plan backed by some of the county's most powerful politicians, including Orlando Mayor Bill Frederick and County Chairman Linda Chapin.

In addition to having the public hearing, charter commission members decided to duck the issue of whether county commissioners should get pay raises. Members agreed that commissioners will have to address the issue by voting themselves a raise or placing the matter on the ballot next year.

''You're being drawn into a political problem,'' attorney Mel Martinez told members. ''If they (county commissioners) need a raise and want a raise, they should face the wrath of the . . . voters and give themselves a raise.''

County Commissioner Hal Marston, who proposed roughly doubling commissioners' $25,000 salaries, said later that he's ready to push for raises. Marston said he believes the current salary, which was lowered by the charter review commission two years ago, discourages all but the rich from seeking office.

''I'm not going to let this issue die,'' Marston said.

As for ending partisan elections, commission members learned that political parties can be a big part of people's lives.

Most speakers said that they don't trust the media's ability to inform the public about candidates and that party affiliation is an important litmus test for politicians.

Others said charter changes two years ago that created single-member commission districts and the county chairman position should be given a chance to develop before more changes are made.

''This is not the time to take partisan politics out of government,'' said Orlando resident Margaret Eagan.

Joseph Doepel, also of Orlando, said the move to do away with party politics is pushed by top Democrats who are worried their party is rapidly losing voters to the GOP.

Charter commission chairman Kevin Shaughnessy said he was not surprised that no one spoke in favor of non-partisan elections.

''It was pretty well publicized that the two parties were making an effort to organize their people for this meeting. I don't think it's unusual that others might be reluctant to speak tonight.''

The charter commission has until Aug. 1, 1992, to propose changes in the county's charter. The commission's proposals will go before voters in the November 1992 general election.